This paper is based largely on a document presented at a conference celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Martin Centre, held at the University of Cambridge in October 1992. It takes as its point of departure Sir Leslie Martin's essay, ‘Architects’ approach to architecture' (Martin, 1967). Commencing with his argument that ‘intentions and processes’ in architecture are more fundamental than form, this paper questions past attempts at relating history to architectural process, and outlines the potential offered by more recent advances in technology – especially, photogrammetry and the computer – for achieving a more objective and broader base for architectural criticism and consensus.